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Manchester United oppose Gary Neville’s plans for hotel at Old Trafford

James Ducker

February 17 2012, 7:00pm, The Times

Neville made 602 appearances for United during a distinguished 20-year careerJohn Walton/EMPICS Sport

Gary Neville is on a collision course with Manchester United after the club dramatically opposed their former captain’s plans to build a supporters’ club opposite Old Trafford.

Neville, who retired in February last year after making 602 appearances for United during a distinguished 20-year career at the club, is working in conjunction with fans’ groups to create a ten-storey, 139-bedroom hotel and leisure complex on Sir Matt Busby Way.

But despite initially throwing their support behind the proposals when they were announced last May, United have performed an about-turn, urging Manchester City Council to reject the planning application.

It leaves Neville — a United ambassador and Sky Sports pundit, who is helping to fund the project with proceeds raised from his testimonial last year — at risk…